Graduate Students

General Information

Graduate degrees in Music at the University of Saskatchewan are an opportunity for students to do intensive one-on-one study with experienced scholars and performing artists in the areas of piano, voice, trumpet, saxophone, conducting/music education, musicology, theory, and composition.

Each program culminates in a project (recitals) or thesis, depending on the discipline and degree. Courses are carefully tailored to each student by the graduate committee to complement studies in the major areas.

Generous graduate scholarships are available and are awarded on the basis of excellence and potential in the area of specialization. Teaching assistantships may be applied for and are awarded on the basis of proven competency in teaching.

The Department of Music offers programs in composition, music theory, and performance leading to the Master of Music (M.Mus.) and in musicology leading to the Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees. The Master of Music in Performance includes specializations in piano, voice, trumpet, saxophone, or conducting/music education (choral or wind emphasis). The M.Mus. program in Performance requires 24 credit units, and is project-based. The M.Mus and M.A. programs in composition, music theory, and musicology require 21 credit units plus a thesis. Certain areas of concentration also include the successful completion of a comprehensive examination and a foreign language(s). The normal time for completion is two years, including a one-year residency.

A meaningful graduate experience is enhanced by participating in professional activities. Toward that end, the University of Saskatchewan offers the annual Fine Arts Research Lecture Series in Music, providing a forum for the exchange of scholarly ideas through the presentation of scholarly research in formal papers and lecture recitals prepared by both members of the Department of Music and guests from the national and international scholarly community.

For specific program information, including lists of classes required to complete graduate-level Music degrees at the University of Saskatchewan,

Application Requirements (Revised May 2017)

Further information regarding application requirements

Complete the on-line application which includes listing three referees and paying the application fee. Read through the application steps and then click “Apply Now” at the bottom of the web page. http://www.usask.ca/cgsr/applying/index.php

Upload the following supporting application materials to your on-line application:

1-2 page statement of intent which describes your prior academic background, readiness to undertake the desired program, and the purpose/rationale for wanting to enroll in the program.

a CV (resume)

FOR MMUS in PERFORMANCE program, upload:

one example of academic writing (e.g. term paper) within the final two years of BMus program (or equivalent).

a comprehensive list of works studied to date in the principal applied area (as an undergraduate student and post-degree, as appropriate). Indicate (with an asterisk) all works performed or conducted publicly.

an audition submission. Provide a link to where the video file is located, attach a compressed (zip) video file or send a DVD (by mail) made within the last 12 months (at least 45 min in length). Preference is to provide a live audition (if logistically possible). If unable to upload due to size/format restrictions, please email to asg.graduateprograms@usask.ca

FOR MMUS in COMPOSITION program, upload:

three compositions (score and CD recording for each – one recording may, however, be in MIDI format)

FOR MMUS in THEORY, MMUS in COMPOSITION and MA MUSICOLOGY programs,:

two examples of academic writing (e.g. term papers) within the final two years of BMus program (or equivalent), illustrating the applicant’s methodology and research skills. [For MMus theory only one paper is required]

all post-secondary official transcripts sent directly from the institution. If applicable, please also provide an official translated version. Copies or scanned versions can be emailed to asg.graduateprograms@usask.ca while we wait for official versions

official test results of proof of English language proficiency from applicants from non-English speaking countries (eg. TOEFL, IELTS). For details, click here